Long Stay Visa Thailand — Quick Overview
Thailand has more long-stay visa options than any of its neighbours — but the choice between them matters significantly in terms of cost, requirements, and what you can legally do. After six years in Phuket, and having navigated several of these myself (and watched hundreds of expats go through the process), here's the clearest comparison I can write.
Important disclaimer: visa rules change. This guide is accurate as of March 2026. Always verify current requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy in your home country or a licensed visa agent in Phuket before applying.
Thailand Long Stay Visas — Complete Guide
The most common visa for retirees in Phuket. The ฿800k requirement can be met by maintaining it in a Thai bank account (KBank Yaowarat Rd is where most Phuket expats open accounts for this). Alternatively, the combined method allows ฿400k in the bank + ฿65,000/month income. Important: health insurance became mandatory for Non-OA holders in 2019 — you need OPD coverage of ฿40,000 and IPD of ฿500,000 minimum from an OIA-approved insurer. Applied at Thai Embassy abroad or renewed annually at Phuket Immigration, 502 Phuket Road.
Launched in 2024 specifically for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers. Allows 180-day stays per entry, renewable by exiting and re-entering. Requirements include proof of remote work/freelance income (no specific minimum) and ฿500,000 in savings or equivalent. No age restriction. Processed at Thai embassies abroad. The work permit grey area: DTV allows you to work for foreign employers but doesn't automatically grant a Thai work permit.
Four categories: Wealthy Global Citizen (US$1M assets), Wealthy Pensioner (US$80k/yr pension), Work-From-Thailand Professional (US$80k/yr remote income), and Highly Skilled Professional (BOI-targeted industries). The WFT Professional category is the most popular among Phuket's remote-worker expat community — it comes with a work permit included and a flat 17% personal income tax rate. Applied through BOI — process takes 30–60 days. Full LTR guide →
No income or asset requirements — you pay a one-time fee for multi-entry stay rights. Benefits include VIP airport service, government concierge. Prices increased significantly in 2023 (were ฿500k–1M — now ฿900k–2.5M). Best for people who want to avoid annual immigration visits and don't qualify for or want the hassle of other categories. No work permit included. Full Elite visa guide →
For those employed by a Thai company or who have set up their own Thai company. The company must have 4 Thai employees per foreign work permit holder in most categories. Phuket Labour Department (Wichit Songkram Road) handles work permits. Renewals require resubmission annually. Most restrictive but gives full legal right to work. Work permit guide →
For those married to a Thai national or with Thai children. No age restriction. Income requirement is ฿40,000/month or ฿400,000 in a Thai bank. Significantly cheaper and less paperwork than Non-OA for those who qualify. Renewable annually at Phuket Immigration. Marriage must be registered at the Thai Amphoe (district office). Marriage visa guide →
All Long Stay Visas — Side by Side
| Visa | Who For | Cost | Duration | Work? | Annual Admin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-OA | Retirees 50+ | ฿800k bank + ฿2,000/yr | 1 yr renewable | No | Annual renewal + 90-day reports |
| DTV | Nomads, freelancers | ~฿10,000 | 180 days/entry, 5yr | Remote only | Exit/re-entry every 180 days |
| LTR WFT | Remote workers US$80k+ | US$50,000 assets + fee | 10 yr renewable | Yes + WP included | Minimal — BOI managed |
| Elite (5yr) | Anyone who can pay | ฿900,000 one-time | 5 yr multi-entry | No | None |
| Elite (20yr) | Long-term commitment | ฿2,500,000 one-time | 20 yr multi-entry | No | None |
| Non-B | Employed/company owner | Low — company ongoing costs | 1 yr renewable | Yes | Annual renewal |
| Non-OI | Thai spouse | ฿400k bank + annual fee | 1 yr renewable | Need WP | Annual renewal |
Most people ask "which visa is easiest to get?" — the better question is "which visa matches my actual situation over the next 3–5 years?" If you're retiring, Non-OA is straightforward if you have ฿800k. If you're working remotely and earning well, LTR WFT is worth the higher upfront asset requirement for the 10-year certainty and tax benefits. Don't choose Elite just to avoid paperwork if you qualify for something cheaper — the ฿900k+ can be invested instead.